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There is but one art, to omit.
Robert Louis Stevenson
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Interpretation

What this quote means

The quote emphasizes the importance of simplicity and the skill of knowing what to leave out in creative endeavors.

Robert Louis Stevenson's quote highlights that true artistry lies not just in what is included in a work, but significantly in what is intentionally left out. The ability to omit unnecessary details can strengthen a piece of art, making it more impactful and focused, allowing the essence of the work to shine through without distractions.

Themes

ArtOmitSimplicityCreativityFocus

In practice

Example use cases

An artist could use this quote when discussing minimalism in their artwork.

More from Robert Louis Stevenson

Our business in life is not to succeed, but to continue to fail in good spirits.
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Like a bird singing in the rain, let grateful memories survive in time of sorrow.
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That man is a success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much.
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His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing, yet avoided.
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The habit of being happy enables one to be freed, or largely freed, from the domination of outward conditions.
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It is the history of our kindnesses that alone make this world tolerable. If it were not for that, for the effect of kind words, kind looks, kind letters . . . I should be inclined to think our life a practical jest in the worst possible spirit.
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